Vernon County, Missouri - The whole text, 1911 (part 6 of 14)

Jasper had but meager educational privileges, leaving school when he was twelve years old. When but ten years of age he became a "cowboy" and spent five years herding cattle, and then until his marriage worked as a farm laborer. He began farming on his own account on leased land and so continued five years, after which he bought eighty acres in section 9, Harrison town- - ship, to which he afterwards added 140 acres. Selling his hold¬ ings in 1908 he bought the place where he now makes his home, being forty-two acres in Harrison township and fifty-five acres in Drywood township. He is a practical general farmer and has achieved gratifying success in his operations.

On February 5, 1890, Mr. Curtis was united in marriage with Miss Matilda A. Croly, and they have had three children, of whom Charles Curtis, who was born November 29, 1890, is the only survivor. Mrs. Curtis is a member of the Christian Church, and Mr. Curtis is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being a member of Garland Lodge No. 603. In political senti¬ ment he is a Republican.

Charles B. Dale is a native Missourian, was born in Vernon county, March 9, 1884, and is the youngest of a family of eight children (six of whom are now living) born to R. J. and Jennie (Reason) Dale. The latter moved from Kentucky, his native state, in the fall of 1883, and settled with his wife and family of seven children in Nevada. He first bought 240 acres of land and made it his home for eighteen years, which he afterwards sold and purchased forty acres just east of Milo, in Vernon county, and made his home there with his family till his decease, which occurred October 11, 1910. His wife died in 1897. He acquired a good education in the common schools of Spencer county, and in the public schools of Louisville, Ky., and was in the true sense a high-minded Christian gentleman. He was a model farmer and gave special attention to breeding fine stock and feeding for the market. He took an active interest in public matters, and as a Democrat was prominent in the councils of his party and a leader in its local affairs. He was a worthy member of the Baptist Church and withal a man of generous impulses, benevolent, kind-hearted and public-spirited, and his passing away was mourned as a great public loss.

Charles B. attended the public schools at Milo until he was seventeen years of age, then, after pursuing a course of study in the business college at Sedalia, Mo., spent two years buying and selling stock. He next turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, opening a grocery store. At the same time he carried on in a limited way a retail harness business in the rear part of his store, with good success. Then for three years he conducted a small wholesale harness trade, with such satisfactory results that in 1910 he joined with others and organized and incor¬ porated the Dale Saddlery Company, with C. B. Dale as president and J. F. McKay as secretary and treasurer. The company is engaged in the manufacture and sale of every variety of sad¬ dlery and harness, occupying a building thirty-two by one hun¬ dred and twenty feet in dimension, built especially for its accom¬ modation, having four departments, office, sample room, ware¬ house and workshop.

The concern employs regularly twelve experienced workmen and turns out a class of products unsurpassed in quality and excellence. A large force of salesmen are constantly on the road and the products of the house are sold throughout the states of Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and, in fact, the entire southwestern territory. The business has shown a marvelous growth, the sales having increased from $1,250 the first year to $40,000 yearly at the present time.

Mr. Dale adheres to the principles of the Democratic party and takes an active interest in its affairs. In religious faith he is identified with the Baptist denomination. On October 6, 1909, Mr. Dale married Miss Cora May Banta, of Milo.

David Darrow was born in Summit county, Ohio, January 17, 1837, his parents also being natives of the Buckeye state, his father, David, of the same county, and his mother, whose maiden name was Sophia Hawkins, of Medina county. Nine children constituted their family, of whom young David was the fourth child and third son. He was reared in his native county to an agricultural experience, and with the exception of a short period, that occupation continued to receive his attention up to 1870. In

1857 he removed to Iowa and located in Monroe county, there following the peaceful avocation of farming until the outbreak of the war, when he enlisted in the Twenty-second Iowa volun¬ teer infantry. Subsequently he had an active military experience, participating in the battles of Port Gibson, Champion's Hill, Black River Bridge, Raymond, Siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, Miss., and "Winchester, Va., besides many of less importance. After the war was over he returned to Iowa, remaining there until 1868, when he located in Johnson county Missouri, and in 1870 'lie came to this county. In October, 1860, he was married to Miss Phebe Lloyd, of West Virginia, daughter of Samuel and Hannah (Carpenter) Lloyd, both of Pennsylvania nativity. The former was a gallant soldier in the Mexican War, and at the commencement of the late civil strife, though having reached the advanced age of 65, he enlisted for service in the Twenty-second Iowa infantry, was wounded and captured at Vicksburg; and while held in that city as a prisoner he died. To Mr. and Mrs. Harrow four children were born: Freddie, James M., Bessie M. and Clarence A.

James W. Daugherty,* a prosperous farmer of Osage township, Vernon county, Missouri, was born in Fayette county, Pennsyl¬ vania, February 21, 1848. He is the second child of a family of five children born to James and Margaret (Snyder) Daugherty, both natives of Fayette county. The father was raised in the city of Fayette, and in his early life taught school and later engaged in mercantile trade. Selling his business in 1876, he moved with his family to Vernon county, Missouri, and settled on a quarter section of land in Osage township, where he engaged in farming till his decease. His wife has also passed away. Of their other children, Ellis II., a cooper by trade, and later a farmer, never married and died in Osage township; John W., also a farmer, died unmarried in 1907, at the age of 55 years; Anna M., who was married to Mr. John Ingram, of Osage township, is de¬ ceased, and Samuel S. Daugherty, their youngest child, lives near Milo, Vernon county.

James W. acquired his early education in the public schools of Fayette, Pa., and began life for himself, working in a grist mill owned by Mr. John Curl, whose daughter he afterward mar¬ ried, continuing there some five years. He also, at the same time, engaged in farming in a limited way, and afterward devoted himself to that occupation exclusively. In 1876, Mr. Daugherty moved to Vernon county, with his father and family, and for a time cultivated a part of his father's land. Later he leased and worked a quarter section in Osage township, five years, and con¬ tinued his farming operations on rented land till 1895, when he bought eighty acres in section thirty-three, township thirty-eight, where he has since made his home, owning also a timber tract of ten acres in section nine.

Mr. Daugherty is a man of influence in his community, a Democrat in political opinions and action, and has held various local offices. He has served as constable many years, was two years tax collector, served on the township board a like period and for four years was township clerk and assessor. While in his native state he became a member of " American Patriots" at Fayette, and still retains his membership. He is a man of sterling Christian character, a consistent member of the Christian Church and assistant superintendent of the local Sunday-school.

In 1870 Mr. Daugherty was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Curl, who was born in Green county, Pennsylvania, May 10, 1852, and is a daughter of John and Maria (McCann) Curl, both natives of that county, where they passed their lives.

Mr. and Mrs. Daugherty have had three children born to them, viz.: John G., who was born October 18, 1887, and is a car inspector in the employ of the Frisco Railway Company at Kan¬ sas City, Mo. James M., who was born June 8, 1890, and lives on the home farm, and Esther May, who was born April 23, 1893, and lives with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Daugherty have also an adopted son, W illiam C. Daugherty, who was born October 19, 1876, and left an orphan when about 2 years old. He resides at Arthur in Osage township.

Wilson Davenport. In 1859 he first came to this county, and for many years afterwards freighted between Moundville and Pleasant Hill. It was about the time Moundville was laid out that he settled here, and his history has been similar to the his¬ tory of the town. He has held, among other positions, those of justice of the peace and township clerk. Born in Rensselaer county, New York., September 7, 1827, he was the son of Ben¬ jamin and Phebe Davenport, nee Waters, both of New York nativity, and who were the parents of four children. Wilson continued to make his home in New York until 30 years of age, then, as stated, locating in this county. October 26, 1848, he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret H. Shaver, daughter of Jacob I. and Mary L. (Mitchell) Shaver, of New York, and to them seven children have been born: Harriet, wife of William II. Haines; Mary E., wife of Lee Butler; Ben, Wilson J., Jennie, wife of John Caton, Nora and Josie. During the war Mr. Dav¬ enport served in Company B, Fourteenth Kansas cavalry.

Christopher T. Davis, whose name heads this sketch, came originally from Pittsylvania county, Virginia, where he was born May 10, 1846, the seventh of twelve children born to his parents, Christopher and Martha (Edwards) Davis, both of whom were also natives of the Old Dominion. Our subject joined the Sixth Virginia cavalry under J. E. B. Stewart, a command destined to experience severe hardships. Mr. Davis took part in the bat¬ tles of Gettysburg, Wilderness, Cold Harbor and others of less importance, finally leaving the service at Appomattox Court House. Upon returning home from the battlefield he again resumed the peaceful pursuits of farm life and also until 1867 attended school - a select school and Roanoke College, from which he afterwards appeared in the possession of a thorough education, thoroughly enabling him to enter upon the more active duties of everyday life. Upon coming to Missouri he was at first a resi¬ dent of Osage county, which he left when his location was made in this county in 1870. He taught school for a time, then read law under Sheldon A. Wright and was admitted to the bar in 1874. His career since that time is well and favorably known. In his profession he was found by no means in the rear as a prac¬ titioner, and the cases which he had were cared for in a manner that none could criticise. His personal conduct was never made to subserve selfish ends, but was always marked by a straight¬ forward and upright course, such as is sure to be recognized. October 6, 1868, Mr. Davis was married to Miss Mary F. Cook, of Pulaski county, Missouri.

Forest E. Davis, a prosperous farmer and now a resident of Nevada, Mo., is a native of Sangamon county, Illinois, and was born near Springfield to Peter C. and Ellen (Flowers) Davis. The father, also a native of Sangamon county, Illinois, was born March 27, 1842, one of a family of twelve children born to

Thomas R. and Elizabeth (Davenport) Davis, the former born in Virginia December 16, 1801, and the latter, a native of Kentucky. They settled in Sangamon county, Illinois, on a farm and lived there till their removal to Vernon county, Missouri, in 1856. Thomas R. gave his attention largely to farming, but also oper¬ ated a saw mill at what was then called Fairview. He died March 25, 1878. His widow, who was born May 27, 1812, sur¬ vived him and passed away April 12, 1880.

Peter C., our subjects father, was fifteen years old when his parents came to Missouri, and he lived there till 1861, and then returned to Illinois, where he resided till 1869. Returning to Vernon county he engaged in farming and became one of the most prosperous and largest land owners and stock raisers in the county, leaving at his decease, which occurred in November, 1910, a quarter section of land to each of his six grandchildren, and owning besides a vast amount of other property.

Forest E. acquired his early education in the public schools and later attended the agricultural department of the State University, being a member of the class of 1891. He then spent a short time teaching school, but since 1892 has devoted his atten¬ tion to farming. Since 1909 Mr. Davis has resided in Nevada, but continues the management of his farming interest, owning 620 acres of the most highly improved land in Barton county, near the line of Vernon county. Mr. Davis has spared neither pains nor money to improve his farms with a fine class of build¬ ings, and every facility and equipment required in modern, up-todate methods of agriculture, and is recognized and known as a progressive and practical man. His residence on South Spring street, which he built on moving to the city, is thoroughly modern, a model of comfort and convenience, and an ornament to the city.

Mr. Davis has always adhered strictly to the principles of the Democratic party in his political opinions and actions, and in religious fellowship is affiliated with the Christian Church. He is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is also a member of the M. B. A.

(Barnes) Triplett, of Sheldon, Mo., and there have been born to them six children, viz., Erly T., Opal M., Everett, Oliver, Harvey and Lois Mae.

George T. Davis is a native of Vernon county, Missouri, and was born August 13, 1872, the fifth of a family of eight children born to Peter C. and Ellen (Flower) Davis. He is a grandson of Thomas Davis, who settled in Drywood township, Vernon county, in 1856, and lived there till his decease in 1878. P. C. Davis, his - father, was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, and lived there till about the time of the Civil War, and moved thence to Vernon county and settled on a farm in Drywood township. He was a systematic and successful farmer, an upright and loyal citizen and stood high in the esteem of his friends and neighbors as a man of superior judgment and sterling character, and at the time of his decease in 1910 had accumulated 3,000 acres of land in Vernon countv.

George T. passed his boyhood on the home farm and attended the district schools till he was sixteen years old and then entered the University of Missouri, where he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Letters and P. P. degree, with the class of 1896. lie lived with his parents till he was twenty-five years of age and on June 23, 1897, Mr. Davis was united in marriage with Miss Gertrude Wilcox, a daughter of Mr. George C. Wilcox, of Nevada. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have three children, viz., Vincil, who was born March 24, 1899; Vesta, born February 19, 1901, and Marvin, who was born September 16, 1906. Mr. Davis owns a well-located farm of 520 acres, part of which came to him from his father, in sections 34 and 35, Moundville township, and is counted one of the prosperous and progressive men of his section. The place is highly improved with a fine class of buildings, com¬ prising a handsome residence, a substantial and commodious barn and convenient outbuildings, and is well stocked, Mr. Davis giving particular attention to breeding and feeding cattle and hogs.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Davis are identified with the Christian Church in religious faith and fellowship, and he is a member of Sheldon Lodge No. 438, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In political opinion he holds to the Democratic principles as ex¬ pounded by William Jennings Bryan.

Judge Davis was a member of the Vernon county court from the south district, and sat on the bench from January 7, 1901, to December 31, 1902. He was one of the wealthiest citizens in the

Peter C. Davis was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, on a farm, March 27, 1842. He was reared there until the age of fifteen, then accompanied his parents to Vernon county, where he made his home until the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861. About that time he returned to Illinois, but in October, 1869, he again came to Vernon county and remained here until his death.

He v as prominently associated with the county's inter¬ ests in many ways. Success attended him during his life in a financial vay, through his good business qualities and good man¬ agement. Everyone who knew him at all recognized in him one of the truly valued residents of the county.

On March 23, 1865, he was married to Miss Ellen Flowers. Four children were born of this union, Forrest. George. Phoebe and Almeda Davis surviving.

Judge Davis- was a member of the Christian Church, liberally contributing of his time and means toward the support of that body. When Judge Davis first settled in Vernon county there was not a house within fifteen miles of the Davis home. He and his father hauled material from Kansas City by wagon to con¬ struct a mill, which still stands in Drywood township.

James R. Davis is one of the wide-awake and progressive busi¬ ness men of the younger class of Nevada, Mo., whose energy, public spiritedness and enterprise are potent factors in the busi¬ ness activities of that thriving city. A native of Harrison county, Missouri, he was born May 2, 1875, and is a son of A. H. and Salena (Wakefield) Davis, both natives of Missouri, whither this branch of the Davis family came from Kentucky, and the Wake¬ fields from Illinois. Our subject's father has carried on a suc¬ cessful business in general merchandise at Montevallo, in Vernon county, for twenty-two years.

non county and on attaining his majority, in 1896, began teaching in the rural districts of the county. He continued in that occupa¬ tion until 1902, employing his time during vacations in his father's store. Mr. Davis early began to take an active interest in affairs and is somewhat prominent in the local councils and activities of the Democratic party, of whose principles he is an ardent supporter.

Upon relinquishing teaching in 1902 he accepted an appoint¬ ment as deputy circuit clerk of Vernon county, and after four years of satisfactory service was elected county recorder, and filled that office till the close of 1910. Since January 1, 1911, Mr. Davis has been treasurer of the Wainscott Furniture Company of Nevada, a position for which he is peculiarly fitted by reason of his early training and years of official service. Mr. Davis takes a lively interest in various fraternal and benevolent organi¬ zations, as well as in the social and civic life of the community, and his pleasing personality and sturdy character make him popu¬ lar with all classes. He is identified with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, representative to the Grand Lodge of the Inde¬ pendent Order of Odd Fellows, district deputy in the Knights of Pythias and V. C. of Nevada Camp, Modern Woodmen of Amer¬ ica, No. 3142, with 650 members.

J. Patterson Davis, a prosperous farmer, has been a resident of Harrison township, Vernon county, Missouri, since 1879. Tie is a native of Scott county, Illinois, and was born May 22, 1847, and is the third child of a family of eight children, five of whom are now living - 1911 - born to David and Elizabeth (Walker) Davis, both of whom were born in Kentucky. The father had a good English education and was a shoemaker by trade, and after his removal to Scott county, Illinois, in 1833, worked at his trade there a number of years, and owned at one time 350 acres of land in Scott county. lie moved to Macon county, Illi¬ nois, in 1856, and died there in 1888. He was a life-long Demo¬ crat and voted the first time for Andrew Jackson for the presi¬ dency. In religious faith he was a Universalist. His widow sur¬ vived till 1892 and passed away in Macon county. Here J. Pat¬ terson attended the common schools till he was sixteen years old and lived at home until he attained his majority, when on Au¬ gust 26, 1868, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Ann Williams. He lived in Macon county till 1879, when he moved with his family to Vernon county, Missouri, and settled on eighty acres of land which he bought in section 11, Harrison township, where he has since made his home and carried on successful farming operations.

Mr. Davis is a prominent and influential man in his commu¬ nity ; active in local affairs and councils of the Democratic party and has served twelve years as township clerk and assessor and was four years deputy sheriff of Vernon county under Mr. J. T. Horkreader, sheriff. He is identified with the Masonic order and belongs to Vernon Lodge, No. 303.

Mr. and Mrs. Davis had three children born to them, viz. : Zerah C. and Loren A., twins, born September 8, 1871, of whom the first named is deceased, and Charley Marquis, who was born June 28, 1878.

Rudolphus Davis, who has resided in Vernon county, Missouri, forty-five years, is a native of Harrison county, Indiana, and was born June 14, 1834, to Thomas and Lucinda C. (Seacot) Davis, natives of Kentucky and Indiana, respectively, the father's an¬ cestors being of Welch and those of the mother of German line¬ age. The family moved to Clark county, Missouri, in 1856. Soon after attaining his majority, on August 24, 1855, Rudolphus was united in marriage in his native county with Miss Rutha Jane Stevens, a daughter of Col. R. S. Stevens, of that place, and after the opening of the Civil War he enlisted as a private in Company F, Fifty-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteers Infantry, and entered the Union army. Accompanying his regiment, he went to Commerce and thence to New Madrid, Missouri, and par¬ ticipated in the battle there. He also, among others, fought in the battles of Corinth, Magnolia Hill, Raymond, Jackson Missis¬ sippi, Champion Hill, Mission Ridge and in the seige of Vicks¬ burg, and finally joining the army at Huntsville, Alabama, he was with General Sherman in the march to the sea. After receiving his honorable discharge, Mr. Davis, on September 6, 1865, re¬ turned to Harrison county, Indiana, and one year later removed with his family to Vernon county, Missouri, settling on eighty acres, which he bought in section 3, Harrison township. A few months later he bought another tract of 120 acres, making 200 acres in all. Here he built and moved into a crude log house and with his family experienced the privations and hardships which fall to the lot of pioneer settlers. But he faced the diffi¬ culties with manly courage and with a steady purpose to over¬ come them wrought with a will, and he transformed what was a wild and barren waste into a fertile and fruitful farm, im¬ proved with substantial buildings and furnished with all the needed facilities and equipment of a model modern farm. Mr.' Davis has been eminently successful in his farming operations and now in his declining years is able to enjoy the well-earned fruits of his busy life. He is a Republican in political sentiment and east his first ballot for Abraham Lincoln for the presidency, but has never sought or cared for official position.

Of six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Davis three are now - 1911 - living, whose names and dates of birth are James Davis, born August 16, 1856; Josephine Davis, born November 28, 1858, and Stewart Davis, who was born November 28, 1864.

John T. Dean was born in Bates county, Missouri, December 14, 1842, and is a son of Elias and Elizabeth (Johnson) Dean, who were natives of Kentucky, and who moved from Mercer child of a family of eleven children born to them, of whom five are living. The father was a prosperous farmer in Vernon county and a man of good standing in the community and owned a fine farm of 240 acres at the time of his decease, December 28, 1890. John T. had but limited school privileges in his early life, but made good use of such as he had in the district schools of Vernon county. lie grew to manhood on his father's farm acres in section 13, Lake township, and lived there fourteen years, then bought forty acres more, living cosily and happily with his family in a log cabin where one room had to serve as kitchen, dining room and parlor. This was afterwards supplanted by a six-room dwelling, which was the family home for fifteen years. Mr. Dean then moved with his family to the family homestead of his father-in-law, the late Willis Preston Ellis, on section 27, in Washington township, and has since made his home there. On

Of two children born to them, the elder, Anna Eliza, is mar¬ ried to Mr. A. W. Bell and lives in Oklahoma and has three children, two daughters and one son, the younger, Eva, is mar¬ ried to Mr. James C. Logan, of Vernon county, and has three sons and one daughter. Mrs. Dean's father was a native of Ten¬ nessee and settled in Calloway county, Missouri, with his parents and lived with them until he attained his majority. He grew up on the farm and learned the carpenter's trade from which he earned and accumulated sufficient means to buy and equip a forty-acre farm before his marriage. He had two children and died in 1890, when Mrs. Dean was forty-one years of age. Mrs. Dean's mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Jane Bently, was a native of Missouri and departed this life December 25, 1870. Her mother was a member of the Christian church, and her father a staunch Democrat and a hard shell Baptist, a pros¬ perous farmer and mechanic and at the time of his decease owned 500 acres of land, purchased with the accumulations of his labor, economy and thrift.

Mr. Dean is one of the influential citizens of Washington town¬ ship and has found his chief delight in cultivating and improv¬ ing the old homestead, and giving his children the advantages of a good education, and lives in the enjoyment of an ample com¬ petence and the esteem of all who know him. Both he and Mrs. Dean are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Robert S. Dean, for many years an honored and prominent citizen of Vernon county, Missouri, was born in Kentucky Jan¬ uary 11, 1839. When he was three years old his parents moved to Bates county, Missouri, and later settled in Washington town¬ ship, Vernon county, and there established the family homestead where our subject passed his life, and died May 19, 1910. Having but meager educational advantages in early life he made the best use of what he had and made up largely for this loss in the school of experience. As a farmer he was wide awake and pro¬ gressive in his ideas, and delighted in high-grade cattle and horses, of which he was a famous breeder and raiser. He was a born trader, and all his business dealings were characterized by rare good judgment and fairness. He was financially success- ful and accumulated a handsome fortune and owned, at the time of his decease, 400 acres of choice land in "Washington and Lake townships. He served four years in the Confederate army during the Civil "War, and his record there was characterized by bravery. His regiment was always in the fighting zone, and he had two horses shot under him in battle, and through all the perils and privations of that trying ordeal he endured hardships with forti¬ tude and in every position acquitted himself with honor, contend¬ ing for a cause he believed to be right. He was withal a man of generous impulses, ready to give a helping hand and material aid to those in need, and no worthy applicant seeking help was turned away empty handed, and many a helpless and disheart¬ ened one was cheered and enabled to start anew by his cheering words and material help. As a consequence he had many warm friends and was held in high esteem by all who came within the range of his influence. He was a devout Christian, and both he and his wife were consistent members of the Methodist Epis¬ copal Church, South. Although the large possessions he had accumulated before the war were swept away, he faced the situation bravely after his return home and earnestly setting himself to the task of retrieving his fortune so far succeeded that he left his family, at his decease, in comfortable circumstances with an ample competence. Mr. Dean was a staunch Democrat and active in supporting the principles of his party and a leader in its local councils and affairs in Vernon County, where he served many terms as school trustee and County Judge one term. His passing away brought sorrow to many a poor per¬ son whom he had helped, and was universally mourned as a loss to the community. He was a good man, a faithful friend and an upright citizen, whose life furnishes an example worthy of emulation.

On February 8, 1877, Mr. Dean married Miss Elizabeth Brown, of Scotch-Irish lineage ; her father, who was a native of Glasgow, came to this country in early life and settled at Pittsburgh, Penn¬ sylvania, and engaged in the coal and mining business, amassing a fortune. Ill health necessitated his giving up business and he traveled extensively in European countries, and passed away in 1907.

a native of Washington Township, have three children, Willis Eay, Harold Aubrey, Eobert S. and lives in Lake township. Eobert M., born January 11, 1881, married Miss Susie Huffine, a na¬ tive of Harrison township, and lives in Washington township, and Guy E., born April 19, 1885, married Miss Eula Taul and lives in Lake township. The fourth child, Harry Lynn, born December 9, 1887, died May 11, 1901.

A. C. Dempsey, one of the best known men in Nevada, Mis¬ souri, is a native of London, Ontario, and was born September 16, 1859. He passed his boyhood in his native place, and when fourteen years old started to learn the candy maker's trade in the employ of the T. McCormick Candy Company, of London. His first work was in the pan room and he was under the direc¬ tion of one Mr. Eichardson, an expert in his line. The work was hard and his pay small, $1.50 per week, but, after some months, was raised to $2.00. He was, however, gaining valuable experience that stood him in good stead in his after career. His next position was with Messrs. D. S. Perin and Company of the same city, where he worked in the shipping department and as watchman, and advanced rapidly in knowledge of the business. In 1879, being then twenty years old, Mr. Dempsey came to the United States and first worked at his trade in St. Joseph, Missouri, with Messrs. F. L. Summers and Company (now Na¬ tional Biscuit Company), and made the first candy in their fac¬ tory. In 1881 he established the J. W. Chase Confection Com¬ pany, in which he owned a half interest, but a little later sold his interest to Mr. Chase and next made a contract to take charge of the factory of Huggens' Candy and Cracker Company at Kan¬ sas City, Missouri, but remained there only a short time. Eeturning to St. Joseph, he secured a position to take charge of the Eiley Brothers' factory. Mr. Dempsey worked there three years, till the factory was sold to the American Biscuit Com¬ pany, and then decided to go into business on his own account. For this purpose he went to Council Bluffs, Iowa, and established the Council Bluffs Candy Company, which proved a great suc¬ cess, attracting the attention of the larger concerns, and, after a time, was merged into the Dequett Company and rapidly grew to large proportions, netting a profit of $7,000 the first year. Mr. Dempsey a little later withdrew from this company and his friend, Mr. J. G. Woodward, who had gained his knowledge of the candy business from Mr. Dempsey, bought into the concern, which became known as the John G. Woodward Candy Com¬ pany, and still continues doing a flourishing business.

Mr. Dempsey next spent two very successful years with Messrs. Loose Brothers at Kansas City, having charge of two departments of their factory and gaining the highest per cent of any man there. On leaving this position he worked for Messrs. Emery-Bird and Thayer, getting out new products, and while* here originated the celebrated "Yankee Toast."

In 1892 Mr. Dempsey, having determined to start business for himself, went to Independence, Missouri, and, providing him¬ self with a few tools, opened business in a modest way in the rear part of the grocery store of Messrs. Mills and Williamson, with whom he arranged to sell his products, and he also sup¬ plied Fairmont Park and sold at wholesale around town. Mr. Williamson, becoming greatly interested in the business, in the fall of 1893 suggested to Mr. Dempsey that they open a candy factory at Nevada, Missouri. He was not able to arrange his other business interests so as to engage in the new enterprise at that time in person, but furnished $300 to put into the business, and with this and what money he had of his own, and the tools he had, Mr. Dempsey moved to Nevada and started in the retail candy trade and by liberal advertising and skillful management, achieved a great success. When Mr. Williamson found himself unable to arrange his affairs so as to give his attention to the business, Mr. Dempsey made a settlement with him and after¬ ward sold out the plant, realizing a good round sum, and moved to Clinton and established, and for four years conducted a very successful wholesale and retail business.

This business he sold to the Wright-Austin Candy Company, and, returning to Nevada, he organized and incorporated the Dempsey Candy Works Company, himself being president and general manager and Mr. F. C. Strohm being secretary and treasurer. The original capital of $3,000 was soon increased to $6,000 and finally to $12,000, and such was the rapid growth of the business that in a short time the concern's goods were being distributed through adjoining states and almost every jobber in the Southwest was handling them. Selling his interest in this company, he next organized the A. C. Dempsey Candy

Company, which achieved much success under his good manage¬ ment and after a time a few friends joined with him and together they purchased the Dempsey Candy Works Company and formed what has since been known as the Nevada Candy Company, which has had a phenomenal growth and whose products are famous throughout the Southwest, being everywhere known as a standard of quality.

Throughout his long and active career Mr. Dempsey has made it an invariable rule to use in the manufacture of his goods only the purest and best materials. With him it is a matter of con¬ science, and his motto has been, "keep yourself clean, keep your place clean, keep your tools clean and keep your character clean," and it is safe to say this, combined with his thorough knowledge of his work, is the underlying secret of his great suc¬ cess. Mr. Dempsey, on December 15, 1880, married Miss Hannah Butler, daughter of Mr. Senterlow Butler, of St. Joseph, Mis¬ souri, a native of England, and was born September 19, 1859. There have been born to them nine children, of whom seven, viz., Lillian, Senterlow 0., Sadie, Pearl, Albert L., Gorman W., and Hudson S., are living, and two named respectively M. M. and Laurel are deceased.

Mr. and Mrs. Dempsey are members of the Later Day Saints Reorganized Church of Christ. Mr. Dempsey also belongs to the Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen and United Commercial Trav¬ elers.

J. J. Devine,'' who has been a resident of Vernon county, Mis¬ souri, since the year 1898, is a native Missourian and was born in Jackson county, October 5, 1851, to John and Ellen (McGeer) Devine, both natives of County Mayo, Ireland. The father came to this country with his parents in 1840, and settled first in Ohio, whence he soon moved to Jackson county, Missouri, and after one year's residence there, took up his abode in Cooper county, and is still living and enjoying good health, giving his attention to farming after the Civil War. The mother died in 1898.

Our subject grew up on his father's farm and attended the district schools till he was 18 years old, and lived at home until after attaining his majority.

Mr. Devine moved to Vernon county in 1898 and bought and settled on a half section of land in Coal township, where he has since made his home, with his family, engaged in general farming and stock raising, giving particular attention to raising and feed-, ing hogs for the market. Mr. Devine is thoroughly up-to-date in his methods and systematic in all his operations, and has achieved a degree of success that ranks him with the best farmers in the communitv.

He is a Democrat of the William J. Bryan type in his political opinions, active in the affairs of his party and while living in Cooper county served as chairman of the Democratic County Central Committee. In religious faith Mr. Devine is a Catholic. He is member of the Knights of Columbus and also is a mem¬ ber of the Modern Woodmen of America.

August Diehr, a well known citizen of Center township, Ver¬ non county, Missouri, was born January 3, 1837, in St. Charles county, Missouri whither his father, George Diehr, came from Germany with his wife and family of six children in 1834. They settled on a farm and the father lived there till his decease in 1840. After his father's death August lived with his eldest brother till he was twenty years of age. He then started for him¬ self and for ten years cultivated a leased farm in St. Charles county. In 1869 he moved with his family and effects, with team and wagon, to Vernon county, and settled on a tract of 240 acres in Section Twenty-one, Center township, which he bought for $5 per acre, and where he has since made his home. On settling here Mr. Diehr built a house of two rooms into which the family moved in the fall of 1870 and which has since con¬ tinued to serve as the family domicile. During these years Air. Diehr has acquired other lands, but has disposed of all except the home farm. The place is well stocked with cattle, hogs and horses and thoroughly equipped with machinery and implements required on an up-to-date farm.

ing hay, but for some time lias confined his work to other gen¬ eral farming operations, and employs help to do the farm work, himself looking after the management of affairs.

Mr. Diehr is a kind-hearted, sympathetic man, honorable, just and upright in his dealings, interested in the welfare of others, and given to charitable deeds.

He is an honored member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and in political belief adheres to the Democratic principles ad¬ vocated by William Jennings Bryan, and in former years took an active part in the local affairs of his party.

On February 4, 1859, Mr. Diehr married Miss Margaret Har¬ ney, of St. Charles county, Missouri, who was related to General Harney, of Civil TV ar fame, and whose parents were pioneer settlers of that county.

Clarence A. Dillman is junior member of the firm of George ^ Hillman, proprietors of The Nevada Business College, a young man of sterling worth. A native of Harvey county, Kansas, he was bom June 9, 1885, and is the second child of a family of eight children born to George M. and Martha Ann (Prather) Dillman. The parents moved from Indiana, their native state, to Kansas in 1882 ; they lived in Harvey county till 1900, when they moved to a farm in Reno county, Kansas, where they now reside. Their other children are named, respectively, Marion E., Ura G., Orda

J. , Earl Henry, Ona Belle, Nettie E. and Frank, who is deceased. The ancestral line of the Dillman family is traced back to Prus¬ sia, while the Prather family is of Scotch-Irish lineage.

Clarence A. was reared on his father's farm and acquired his early education in the public schools. He afterwards pursued a commercial course and studied penmanship at The Salt City Business College, Hutchinson, Kansas, and then spent a year with the Southwest Kansas Baseball League.

In September, 1908, he accepted a position as head of the com¬ mercial department of the Nevada Business College, and in August of the following year purchased from Mr. F. B. George a half interest in that institution, which has since been ably con- ducted under the firm name of George & Dillman. Air. Dillman is in charge of the commercial and penmanship departments, which, under his able management and instruction, have been brought to a high standard of excellence, the most modern and up-to-date methods of bookkeeping being brought into use and taught. Professor Dillman is a superior teacher in his special lines, being a thorough bookkeeper and an expert in every branch of practical business and ornamental penmanship, in which each student receives daily individual instruction.

On July 14, 1909, he was united in marriage with Miss Minon M. Micholson, a daughter of George and May (Robinson) Micholson, of Reno county, Kansas, and they have one child, Mildred G. by name.

Dr. James N. B. Dodson, for many years influentially and prominently associated with the professional and commercial in¬ terests of Vernon county, and a sincerely respected and honored resident of Nevada, deserves more than a passing notice in any history of the county. Originally from Jackson county, Alabama, he was born June 20, 1813, the son of James and Lucy (Davis) Dodson, the latter of whom was a native of Jefferson county, Ten¬ nessee; the former was a Virginian by birth and a prominent member of the medical profession.

Young James was the second son and fourth child of a family of ten children. Leaving Alabama at an early age, he went to East Tennessee to reside with his grandfather, Benjamin Davis, who was a revolutionary soldier, enlisting at the age of fourteen under Gen. Marion, and one of the most noted horse fanciers and breeders of Alabama. He remained with his grandfather several years attending school, and in 1830 came to Missouri with his father, first stopping in Boone county, where their home was made for one year. His father and family were soon en route for Springfield, Missouri, but on the way a stop was made in Crawford county, Missouri, where the father sickened and died in 1832. Circumstances interfering somewhat with their intentions, the family decided to remain in that county, and there young Dodson embarked upon the practice of medicine, the study of which he had previously commenced and pursued with energy.

After this he went to Waynesville, Pulaski county (it having been formed out of Crawford county), where in 1837 he aban¬ doned his professional practice and engaged in the mercantile business in partnership with Col. Ed. Swink until 1840, when, Camden county being established, he was appointed by Judge Foster P. V right, clerk of the circuit court, and also received the appointment from the county court as its clerk, serving at the same time as ex-officio recorder, to which positions he was soon after elected. His official positions he resigned on account of having entered again into mercantile pursuits, the last year of his business at Linn Creek, in company with Col. S. K. Rob¬ erts, being one of astonishing proportions, as their sales amounted to $450,000.

In 1854 Dr. Dodson was chosen by the people of his county as their representative in the State Legislature, and served out his full term of two years acceptably to his constituents, though in the meantime he had removed to Vernon county and opened up a large farm near Walker, on one corner of which, mainly through his influence, a school house was erected, costing $3,000, which was something quite grand in its day. While representing Camden county , he drew and procured the passage of the bill establishing Vernon county, and having previously settled therein was elected in 1856 her representative and in 1857 was appointed by President Buchanan registrar of lands in the War¬ saw district. Six months later he resigned this position and it is worthy of remark at this place that the doctor never occupied an office from which he did not resign or offer to before the ex¬ piration of his term of office, and he filled by election or appoint¬ ment at different times near twenty-five terms.

From 1860 to 1865 he was a non-resident of the county, hav¬ ing removed to Pike county, Missouri, but after the war closed he returned here and embarked once more in the mercantile business at Nevada, conducting a lucrative and respectable busi¬ ness until 1870, when he retired from the arduous duties of busi¬ ness life. In 1869 he was interested in an important railroad en¬ terprise (the Laclede and Fort Scott Railroad) and the first year was made president, but afterwards was relieved of the duties of this position; however, two years later he was again called to the aid of those whose experiences had proven their mistake in not continuing him previously at their head, and for eight years he labored earnestly but under many difficulties to place the road in the way of early completion, in which he sub¬ stantially succeeded for the second time, but the building of the road was never accomplished. The failure, however, of this en¬ terprise was through no fault of his, but from reasons too nu¬ merous and lengthy to recite in this connection.

reproach; a man of unbending honor, incorruptible honesty, broad but practical charity, noble and generous in his dealings, dignified in his manhood, worthy as a citizen, true and faithful as a friend, he merited and received the honor and respect of all who knew him.

Dr. Dodson was thrice married ; first, in 1843, to Louisa Har¬ rison, of Phelps county, Missouri, who died in 1846, leaving one child, Eliza, who died in 1860. In 1846 he married Mrs. Marcia Swink, nee Meade, widow of Col. Ed. Swink. She was born near Huntsville, Ala., and died in Louisiana, Missouri, 1861, leaving three children by her first marriage: George Swink, Sallie, who married Col. John Q. Burbridge, one of the first to enlist in the Confederate service under General Price; and Llewellyn. In 1862 the doctor was united in marriage with Mrs. Margaret John¬ son (Beers), widow of Capt. J. IT. Johnson, of Louisiana, Mis¬ souri. She died in August, 1884, leaving four children by her first marriage: Irene, now Mrs. Monroe Cunningham; Anna, wife of Kimbrough Winston, of Vernon county; Henry II. John¬ son and James B., an attorney at Nevada. Dr. Dodson passed to the great beyond March 17, 1893.

R. A. Doores, who ranks among the successful men of Vernon county, Missouri, was born in Allen county, Kentucky, July 4, 1835, to J. W. and Amanda (Freeman) Doores, who were natives of Virginia, and who, in 1855, moved with their two children to Jackson county, Missouri. In 1874 they removed thence to Vernon county and settled in Richland township. The father was a Whig in early life, but in his later years held to the

Our subject had but meager school privileges in his early life. He remained with his parents till he attained his majority and on October 28, 1856, was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Ferguson, daughter of John C. Ferguson, an early settler of Johnson county. When he was twenty-five years old Mr. Doores learned the carpenters' trade and followed it in connection with farming twenty years. During that period he constructed six church buildings in Yernon county, besides numerous residences, barns and other farm buildings, both in that county and elsewhere, being known as a skillful and expert mechanic, and his services always being in demand. Mr. Doores has retired from the building trade and devotes his time to his other interests. By industry and thrift he acquired at different times consider¬ able leal estate, but has disposed of the most of it, owning now a small farm and handsome and commodious residence near Bronaugh, where he makes his home with his family, enjoving the well-earned fruits of his busy life.

Francis A. Dorris was born in Eoss county, Ohio, October 12, 1841, to James A. and Margaret (Eead) Dorris, the former a native of Ohio, born February 28, 1805, and the latter born in Delaware, February 28, 1808. The father spent his life as a f aimer and died in Ohio in 1853. The mother passed away on June 11, 1872 in Missouri. Of nine children born to them, those beside our subject were: John Dorris, now deceased; Eachael. who was born in 1834, married Mr. Henry Law, and now lives in Joplin, Missouri; Eobert, who died in infancy; Lear, who was married to Mr. John S. Moore, and died in 1905; William, who died in 1863; Mary and Freeman, both deceased; Hannah, who is

Francis A. acquired his education in the district schools and grew up on his father's farm. At the age of nineteen he en¬ listed in Company H, Eighty-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteers, Infantry, and entered the Union Army. But after ten months' service, on August 2, 1862, he was discharged for disability caused by serious illness. He was in the battles at Fort Donald¬ son and at Chattanooga, besides several minor skirmishes. Re¬ turning home, Mr. Dorris lived in Ohio, engaged in farming till 1866, then moved to Illinois, and in 1869 went to Newton county, Missouri, moved to Vernon county in 1876, and settled in Moundville township and gave his attention to farming, cultivating leased land some eight years. In 1886 he purchased property in the little settlement of Bronaugh, and built the third house erected in the place, and there has made his home since, retired from active work by reason of impaired health. Mr. Dorris has served on the local school board twelve years. He belongs to General Lew AVallace Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and for forty years has been identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

On March 3, 1873, Mr. Dorris was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Elizabeth Horner, a daughter of Mr. William Horner, who lived near Fort Scott, Kansas. Of five children born to them, the eldest, William W. Dorris, born in Newton county, January 31, 1874, has been editor and proprietor of the Bronaugh Journal since February 7, 1905, soon after the paper was established; Margaret, born November 22, 1876, lives at home; Robert, who was born February 10, 1880, and died the same day; Eva Lee, born March 18, 1884, lives at home, and James A., who was born July 2, 1888, died five months later. Mrs. Dorris passed away August 8, 1906.

Mannen Duren was born in Benton county, Missouri, Septem¬ ber 10, 1834. His father was also named Mannen, and originally of Georgia nativity. He was a farmer by calling, moved to Ten¬ nessee when young and was reared in Nashville, from whence he came to Missouri in an early day, locating in the northern part of the state, from whence he moved to Benton county in 1825. His v ife v. as formerly Margaret L. Gibbs, of Christian county, Kentucky. Mannen was next to the youngest of their eight children. He was reared in early life on a farm but later com¬ menced a mercantile experience at Warsaw, Benton county, re¬ maining so engaged until 1856, when he began to preach in the M. E. Church South as a member of the St. Louis Conference. Thus he was occupied until the year before the war broke out, but owing to impaired health he was forced to settle permanently and chose a location in Clinton, Henry county, where he entered into the mercantile business, continuing for one year. When the war came up his store was robbed by Jim Lane & Co. He then returned to Benton county but later came to this county, engaging in farming and trading in cattle until his removal to Fort Scott, where he lived four years. Upon coming back to Vernon county he purchased a farm and soon entered into the real estate busi¬ ness. In 1870 he was re-admitted into the Southwestern Missouri Conference, and for twelve years traveled over a wide section of country, until on account of his health he took supernumerary relations and again resumed the real estate business. Besides this he also conducted an insurance and loan agency. In 1858 Mr. Duren married Miss Samantha J. Austin, of Platte county, Mis¬ souri, daughter of Daniel Austin. They had two children : Kate, wife of Dr. Profitt, and George.

Fauntleroy Dye, who has been prominent in the development of Nevada, Missouri, during the past thirty years, is a native of Gainesville, Texas, and was born September 8, 1854, to James and Anna (Bozarth) Dye, both natives of Missouri. The father is a farmer and now lives in Monroe county, Missouri. The mother, who was of one of the oldest families of Missouri, died in 1861.

Our subject is the eldest of a family of four children, the others being Elias Dye, of Howell county, Missouri; James D. Dye, of Monroe county, and Eliza, a half-sister, now dead, who was married to Mr. William Glasscock, who resides in Okla¬ homa. Our subject's paternal grandfather, Fauntleroy Dye, for whom he was named, was a native of Kentucky, and served as a soldier in the War of 1812.

learned the carpenter trade, which he followed there. On settling in Nevada, in 1880, lie established himself as a contractor and builder and has held a leading place among the prominent build¬ ers in the city ever since. He conducted a lumber yard from January, 1898, to March, 1899, and also for five and a half years was in the hardware business with Mr. Quinton T. Moore. Among other important buildings, Mr. Dye, in connection with J. B. Beagles, the firm being Beagles & Dye, had the contract for erecting the Vernon county court house, work on which was commenced in 1906 and completed in 1908. The building cost approximately $80,000 and ranks among the finest structures of its kind in Missouri, and it stands as a fitting monument to Messrs. Beagles' and Dyes' ability and skill as builders and contractors, and is pointed to with pride, alike by the citizens and taxpayers of Nevada and Vernon county.

Air. Dye has devoted himself closely to his business and has had little time for outside affairs. He is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, is a Democrat in political sentiment and action, and in religious faith and fellowship is affiliated with the Christian Church. He has been three times elected a member of the school board and has served in that ca¬ pacity eight years.

In 1876 Mr. Dye was united in marriage with Miss Cynthia A. Harbit, a native of Indiana, and daughter of Isaac G. and AViney (Brown) Harbit, of Monroe county, Missouri.

They have one daughter, Ella J., who is married to Mr. L. A. Sears, of Lamar, Missouri, and an adopted daughter, Ethel Dye, who lives at home.

Thomas Dygard is a prosperous and popular business man of Nevada, Vernon county, Missouri. A native of Denmark, he was born at Varde, February 10, 1867, and is a son of Soren and Bertha (Thomsen) Dygard, natives of Denmark. They reared a family of ten children, Thomas being the fifth, in order of birth. He attended the public schools in early life and when fourteen years of age began learning the tailor's trade. At the age of twenty, in 1887, he came to this country and worked at his trade one year in New York. Thence he went to Omaha, Nebraska, and worked until 1894, and from there went to St. Louis and followed his trade some five years. In 1899 Mr. Dygard took up his residence in Nevada and in partnership with Mr. E. P. Smith bought the business formerly conducted by Joseph Doom and under the firm name of Smith & Dygard conducted a successful merchant tailoring establishment for three years. Mr. Dygard then purchased his partner's interest and has since car¬ ried on the business in his own name. The business is located at No. 117 East Cherry street and stands among the foremost in its line in the city. Mr. Dygard does his own cutting and fitting and his years of varied experience in his special line of work insures to his customers correct style and perfect fit, while his full and complete line of finest woolens and imported nov¬ elties, comprising all grades, at prices to suit all, leave nothing to be desired. So that it is but natural that his place should be the headquarters of those who are particular and discriminating in the matter of the clothes they wear.

On October 11, 1888, Mr. Dygard married Miss Birgitta Hau¬ sen, a daughter of Jens and Katherine Hausen, of Horsens, Den¬ mark. Mr. and Mrs. Dygard have four children, named re¬ spectively, Fred S., Bertha K., Thomas J. and Paul H. Dygard. Mr. Dygard is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel¬ lows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Mod¬ ern Woodmen of America.

George H. Earhart is one of the substantial farmers of Drywood township, Vernon county, Missouri. He was born in Lamar county, Texas, May 22, 1855, and is a son of Dr. Michel and Vir¬ ginia Candle Earhart, the former a native of Ohio, and the lat¬ ter of Alabama, and is the second child of a family of seven children born to his parents, of whom six are now living - 1911. His paternal ancestors were of German-English lineage. The father was a soldier in the Mexican War, also the late war and took part in all the leading battles fought on Mexican soil. He was a successful physician and surgeon, a graduate of the State Lniversity at Athens, Ohio, and of the Cincinnati College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he received the degree of M. D. On his return from the Mexican War he went to New Orleans, and thence up the Red river to Lamar county, Texas, where he bought a tract of land and lived eighteen years. He next moved to Henry county, Missouri, and lived there three years, and, in the spring of 1870, bought and settled on a tract of 180 acres in Drywood township, Vernon county, where he lived till his decease, in 1891. Dr. Earhart practiced his profession in Texas, in Henry county and in Vernon county, and throughout his long and active career was held in the highest regard by all who knew him. He was a kind-hearted, sympathetic man of generous impulses, and withal charitable and benevolent. A Democrat in political belief, he was active in the local affairs of his party and served one term as a trustee of Drywood township and several years on the local school board. lie was also identi¬ fied with the Masonic order.

George II. acquired a good English education in the common schools of Henry county and lived at home till he attained his majority. Mr. Earhart, in 1880, bought and settled in Section Two, Drywood township, and has made his home there ever since. lie is a thorough farmer, progressive in his ideas and alive to the necessity of keeping pace with modern improvements and methods. The place is improved with a beautiful and com¬ modious farm house, a fine barn, and out houses all kept in per¬ fect order and repair, is well stocked with a high grade of cattle, horses and swine, and thoroughly supplied with all the facilities and equipments required in the conduct of a modern, model farm, and, with its beautiful location and environments, forms one of the beauty spots of Vernon county.

On September 20, 1877, Mr. Earhart married Miss Margaret Brown, of Drywood township, whose womanly qualities well fit her for the place she fills in their happy home. Of two children born to them, the elder, Virginia, is married to Mr. E. A. Patton and has two children. Their home is in Pittsburg, Kansas. The younger, James M., married Miss Jennie E. Leonard and they have two children. Their home is in St. Louis. Both Mr. and Mrs. Earhart are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics he adheres to the principles of the Democratic party.

Augustus J. Earl, the popular proprietor of the leading hotel at Milo, Vernon county, Missouri, is a native of Lycoming county, Pennsylvania. lie was born July 4, 1852, and is the tenth child of a family of thirteen children, of whom four are now living, born to Dr. R. T. and Julia Ann (Myers) Earl, both natives of Pennsylvania.

The father was a dentist and practiced his profession at Hughesville, Pa., some ten years. Removing with his family of five children to Illinois, he lived at Kewanee for a time, and then, in 1866, settled at Grinnell, Iowa, where he practiced den¬ tistry till 1874, and where he lived till his decease, in 1889. He was a high-minded man, a great reader and fond of literary pur¬ suits, and always maintained a high standing in the community where he lived. Augustus J. acquired a good English education, attending the public schools in Illinois till he was eighteen years old. He remained with his parents till his twenty-fourth year and then, going to Denver, Colorado, was engaged a short time in mercantile business. His father and family having settled at Grinnell, Iowa, he went there, and, with his brother, opened and carried on a grocery store. This he afterward sold and in 1874 went to Anita, Iowa, and there conducted a general store four years, after which he turned his attention to raising cattle and hogs until 1904. Mr. Earl then closed out all his interests and disposed of his possessions in Iowa and removed to Milo and took charge of the hotel business, which has since engaged his chief attention. In 1908 Mr. Earl was elected mayor of Milo and at the end of his two years' term was re-elected and now holds that office. He is known as one of the public spirited men of the town and as a thorough man of affairs, interested in all that relates to the welfare of the community. In 1908 Mr. Earl was elected vice-president of the Bank of Milo, one of the prosperous financial institutions of Vernon county.

On September 30, 1879, Mr. Earl married Miss Lillian G. Pat¬ ton, of Des Moines, Iowa, and they have four children, viz., Rob¬ ert G., born June 12, 1881; Ford P., born March 9, 1883; Imogean, born October 21, 1887, and Gladys, born January 31, 1894.

William Lee Earp was born in Montgomery county, Missouri, April 30, 1863, to Jonathan Douglas and Dorcas Earp, both na¬ tives of Warren county, Kentucky, whence they moved to Mis¬ souri in 1856. The father was a farmer and stock raiser, also served as local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and when a young man taught school. The parents moved to Lamar, Barton county, in 1869, and the father passed away

Biograph Tcal

William Lee acquired his education in the public schools, and, growing to manhood on the home farm in Barton county, had the experiences common to the farmer boy, and a desire to sell merchandise that possessed him in early life was realized in later years. Remaining on the homestead till he was twenty-four years old, he then, in August, 1887, went to Lamar and remained there two years in the mercantile business, after which he was en¬ gaged in the same line of trade at Omer, in Cedar county, till February, 1893. Selling his interests, he moved to Sheldon, in Vernon county, in order to have the benefits of convenient railroad facilities, and further impelled by the business enterprise of the thriving town. Mr. Earp conducted a successful business at Sheldon fourteen years and was one of the wide-awake and public-spirited men of the place. He served two terms on the local school board and for several terms was a member of the city council.

In the fall of 1906 Mr. Earp was elected on the Democratic ticket treasurer of Vernon county, and, closing out his affairs at Shel¬ don, moved to Nevada in the spring of 1907. At the expiration of his term of office he was re-elected without opposition. In the spring of 1910 Mr. Earp purchased a half interest in the Southwest Mail Publishing Company at Nevada and has since given to it much of his attention. He is an active man of affairs, of superior execu¬ tive and business abilities, kind-hearted, social and of pleasing personality, and wherever known is esteemed for his upright, manty character. He is active in fraternal matters and since 1890 has been identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fel¬ lows and has passed through all of the chairs of his lodge. He also is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, hav¬ ing joined the order in 1898. Since 1907 he has been connected with the Knights of Pythias and in 1902 joined the Modern Woodmen of America, and in all of these orders has filled various offices.

On October 11, 1885, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Isabelle Callahan, a daughter of William H. and Lettitia Callahan, who moved from Pennsylvania, their native state, to

George H. Eaton, who, for thirty years has been an honored citizen of Drywood township, Vernon county, Missouri, is a native of Woodford county, Kentucky. He was born June 3, 1838, and is the eldest of a family of four children born to James W. and Lutitia (Johnson) Eaton, the former a native of Kentucky, where he passed his life, and the latter, a native of Virginia! George H. grew up on his father's farm and lived in his native state till he was 31 years of age, and had been married some eight years. In 1869 lie moved to Pettis county, Missouri, and four years later went to Henry county, and after a residence of eight years there, in 1881, with a family of three children, settled on a quaitei section of land, which he bought, in section two, Drywood township, Vernon county, where he has since made his home. Mr. Eaton has always devoted himself to farming with gratifying success; and now that he has reached the sundown side of life, practically retired from active work, he is able to pass his declin¬ ing years in the well-earned enjoyment of the rich fruits of his years of toil. Wherever he has lived he has been respected as an upiiglit man, a good neighbor, kind hearted and considerate to all and withal, a true and faithful friend. On May 28, 1861, he married Miss Luvina Hughes, of Anderson county, Kentucky, v ho v as born March 19, 1842, and who passed away September 14, 1908. She was an honored and worthy member of the Bap¬ tist Church.

Of five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Eaton, two survive, and they are, James W., who married Miss Nora Hight, January 24, 1910, and Mary E., who is married to Mr. J. A. Huffman, and with their family of nine children, live in Oklahoma.

Daniel W, Eliot, of the firm of Eliot & Son, veterinary sur¬ geons, of Nevada, Missouri, is a native of Edgar county, Illinois, and was born September 24, 1850, the youngest child and one of a family of sixteen born to Palmer D. and Sophia (Jared) Eliot, natives of Kentucky and Virginia, respectively. The father set- tied in Illinois about 1820 and was an extensive farmer and stock raiser all his life. He passed away in 1876 in his eighty-first year, and his wife died in 1874 at the age of sixty-eight. Their other surviving children are Ira K. Eliot, of Warren, Indiana; Eveline, wife of David Ross, of Paris, Illinois; Angeline, wife of James McMartie, of Tacoma, Washington, and Harriet, the wife of Mr. John F. Myres, who lives on the homestead farm near Paris, Illi¬ nois, which the father entered from the government.

Daniel W. acquired his education in the public schools of his native place and early engaged in farming near Paris, where he also was a successful stock raiser. Going to Clinton, Missouri, in 1877, he continued farming and also, after a course of studies and lectures at Kansas City and St. Louis, gave his attention to the veterinary profession. In 1901 he sold his farm, and, to give his children better educational privileges, moved to Appleton City, Missouri, where he remained some five years.

In 1906 Dr. Eliot, in company with his son, succeeded to the business of Dr. Albert Knowles, of Nevada, and have since con¬ ducted what has become widely known as one of the important institutions of the city. At their veterinary hospital and tran¬ sient feed barns at No. 118 South Main street veterinary surgery in all its various branches is practiced, every case being under the exclusive care of the proprietors, both of whom are expert veterinarians, thoroughly conscientious and painstaking in their work.

On February 18, 1874, Dr. Eliot was united in marriage with Miss Alice E. Anthony, a daughter of Mr. John N. Anthony, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and who, at the time of her marriage, was a teacher in the public schools at Paris, Illinois.

Mr. and Mrs. Eliot have three children, viz., Howard Chester, who is a graduate of the Kansas City Veterinary College; Ina C., a teacher, now a student at Missouri Wesleyan College, Cameron, Missouri, and Berniece, who is a student at Cottey College, Ne¬ vada, Missouri.

Dr. Lewis 0. Ellis was born in Schuyler county, Illinois, Sep¬ tember 3, 1847, the second of seven children in the family of his parents, Jesse II. and Elizabeth (Riddell) Ellis, both originally from Kentucky. The former during life was engaged in agri¬ cultural pursuits. In 1849 he joined the caravan of overland travelers to the gold fields of California, but after returning settled with his family in Missouri, first in Randolph county, on what was known as the Hancock Jackson farm, from which place he moved to Chariton county, remaining there until after the Civil VTar. Young Lewis accompanied the family on the various moves above enumerated, passing his time at farm work until the breaking out of the war. "When less than 17 years of age he enlisted in Searcy's battalion, Colonel Mitchell's brigade, and among other engagements in which he took part was the fight at Drywood. Leaving the battlefield, Mr. Ellis located in Mon¬ roe county and for a time attended school at Middle Grove, there also commencing the study of dentistry. In 1870 he came to Vernon county and during the session of 1870-71 he took a course of dental lectures at St. Louis. From 1875 until 1881 he was closely identified with the professional interests of Sedalia, but in the year last named he returned to Nevada and in November embarked in practice here, which has since been continued, with gratifying success. In 1873 Dr. Ellis was united in marriage with Miss Emma Hoss, of Pettis county, Missouri, daughter of Samuel B. Hoss. The Doctor is prominently connected with the Masonic order, and while living in Sedalia was master of Sedalia Lodge, No. 239. He is also past master of Argyle Lodge, No. 451, of Nevada, and is a member of Nevada R. A. C., No. 56.

Robert T. Ellis. On about the first of November, 1866, he came to Vernon county, and some four years later his recognized ability and qualifications for the position led to his election as county judge. He also discharged the duties of justice of the peace, filling most acceptably these official positions. Mr. Ellis was born in Barren county, Kentucky, December 16, 1817. His parents were Eleazer and Jane Ellis, both Virginians by birth, and of their seven children Robert T. was the youngest. He grew up in his native state, after which, in 1840, he came to Mis¬ souri, settling in Macon county, where he was also identified with the interests of the county in an official capacity. In 1858 and 1859 he served as sheriff, and later on was made justice of the peace. In 1838 Mr. Ellis was united in marriage with Miss Virgin Mary Ford, a native of Barren county, Kentucky, who died in October, 1848, leaving two children: John E. and Frances J. His second marriage occurred in February, 1849, when Miss

Nancy Jane Dale, of Randolph county, Missouri, became his wife. Ten children were born of this union: William II., Martha J., wife of William C. Pryor; Robert L., Julia A., wife of Zechariah WTalker; Stephen A., Idress A., wife of I. S. Conner; Abram T., George T., Emma R. and Cassendany.

William B. Ellis is a native Missourian, born in Cooper county January 21, 1846, his father, James M. Ellis, also having been born in that county in 1825, In 1845 the latter married Miss Jane Scott, whose birth occurred in Pettis county, Missouri, in 1830, and to them the following children were given, the dates of whose births are as given: Almarinda, 1847; Angeline, 1851; II. L., 1853; George R., 1857; Amanda, 1861; J. 0., 1863; Eliz¬ abeth, 1867 ; and Isaac S., 1870, and William, who was the eldest. William B. Ellis devoted the principal part of his life to farm¬ ing and kindred pursuits. December 19, 1869, he married Miss Elizabeth M. Bacon, who was born in St. Clair county, Missouri, January 27, 1853, the daughter of James L. Bacon, from whom Bacon township, this county, took its name. He was born in this state, while his wife, formerly Lydia J. Birth, was a Vir¬ ginian by birth. Mrs. E.'s grandparents were John Park and Elizabeth C. Bacon, nee Brackenridge.

Augustus E. Elliott, who ranks among the successful lawyers of Nevada, Missouri, is a native of this state. He was born at Westport, March 24, 1877. After finishing his preliminary edu¬ cation he was graduated from the Nevada Seminary with the class of 1894, and also pursued a course of study at the Christian Universitv. Later he studied law in the offices of W. L. Jarrott, at Ilarrisonville, Missouri, and M. T. January, of Nevada, and in 1898 was admitted to the bar and at once established himself in his profession at Nevada. Mr. Elliott is known as a thorough and able lawyer, and stands well among the members of the Vernon county bar. He served as city attorney in 1904-6 and was again elected to that office for the term of 1910-11. He takes an active interest in social and civic affairs, and is identified with various fraternal and benevolent organizations, being a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has filled all the chairs of the local lodge, Knights of Pythias, and Modern Woodmen of America. On December 19, 1906, Mr. Elliott married

Joseph W. Ensley, a substantial citizen of Schell City, Vernon county, Missouri, was born in Johnson county, Indiana, June 10, 1848, and one of a family of six children born to John and Ellen (Davis) Ensley, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Kentucky. They were married in Johnson county, In¬ diana. About 1850 they settled in Clark county, Illinois, and moved thence and settled on a farm in Bates county, Missouri, in 1869, where the father passed away on November 8, 1876, and the mother in 1908. Of their other children Mary Ann, who was married to Mr. G. W. Farris, is now deceased; Nancy Ellen, also now deceased, was the wife of Mr. Robert Montgomery and left one daughter; Joseph W. and John H. are both residents of Schell City; Samuel was killed while working in a coal bank and left one son, John Ensley, and William lives in Bates county.

Joseph W. grew up on his father's farm and acquired his early education in the district schools. After leaving home he studied medicine three years with Dr. A. Shirk, at Johnstown, Missouri, and then engaged in the drug business at Hudson, Bates county, but his stock of drugs was burned; six months later he abandoned his purpose of completing his medical studies and learned the carpenter's trade.

In 1878 Mr. Ensley took up his residence in Schell City and followed his trade, clerking in a store during the winter months some sixteen years. He became interested in fraternal organiza¬ tions and in 1895 accepted an appointment as deputy sovereign commander of the Woodmen of the World for Missouri, and dur¬ ing the following eight years traveled through the state organiz¬ ing camps for the order. Impaired health compelled him to re¬ sign his office, and, returning to Schell City, he was elected jus¬ tice of the peace in 1903 and has given his time and attention to that office ever since.

In political matters he is a staunch Democrat and in religious faith and fellowship is affiliated with the Christian Church. He is an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and secretary of Schell City Lodge No. 355.

former born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1821, ancl the latter a native of North Carolina, born in 1821. Mr. and Mrs. Ensley have one child, Laura B., born in 1872 and now the wife of Mr. W. E. Haddix, of Schell City. They have one son, Melvin O. Haddix, who was born in 1893.

Joseph P. Eppenauer, who, since the spring of 1894, has been a wide-awake business man in Nevada, Missouri, was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, May 12, 1866, and is the eldest of a family of five children, born to Anton and Emily R. (Porter) Eppenauer. The parents moved from Ross county, Ohio, their native place, to Schell City, in Vernon county, Missouri, in the fall of 1870, where the father was engaged in farming and stock raising. About September 16, 1910, on account of failing health, he took up his residence at St. Cloud, Florida, and there died December 29, 1910, at the age of sixty-seven years, his death having been preceded by that of his wife in 1875, when she was thirty-one years of age. Their earthly remains rest side by side in Green Lawn Cemetery at Schell City. Of their other children, Frank E. lives at Mokane, Missouri, David is deceased, Mary L. is mar¬ ried to Mr. Thomas McAfee, of Tampa, Florida, and Celia is mar¬ ried to Mr. John Davis and lives at Ironton, Ohio.

Joseph P. grew to manhood at Schell City, Missouri, and ac¬ quired his early education in the common schools. On attaining his majority, in May, 1887, he entered the employ of Mr. W. T. Nesbit in the tinning and roofing business at Schell City, with a view to learning the trade. A little later he went to Hutchinson, Kansas, and spent three years in the same line of employment, and then, returning, worked at his trade in Nevada till March 10, 1894, when he established the business which he has since conducted on his own account with eminent success. Mr. Ep¬ penauer has had charge of his class of work on many of the pub¬ lic buildings and residences in the city, prominent among which may be mentioned the Nevada High School building, Nevada Wholesale Grocery, state rifle range, Hospital No. 3 additions, residences of Mrs. V. A. C. Stockard and Mrs. Glessner M. Few, the postoffice, the Armory, Cottey College additions, St. Frances Convent, St. Joseph School and many others.

George Z. Ervin is a native Missourian, and next to the youngest child of a family of six children born to Marcus D. Lafayette and Melvina Matilda (Flanery) Ervin, the other chil¬ dren being Jesse V. and Walter G., both of Jackson county, Missouri. Benjamin F., of Bonner Springs, Kansas ; Alonzo, also of Jackson county, and Marcus D. Lafayette, now deceased. Both parents were born in Missouri and the father died there soon after the close of the Civil War. After his decease the mother married, and now - 1911 - lives at Lee Summit, Mis¬ souri, the widow of Mr. Alphonzo Bowers, deceased.

George Z. was born in Jackson county, Missouri, March 26, 1875, and there acquired his early education in the district schools. While yet a boy he began to learn the printer's trade, in the establishment of the Hudson and Kimberly Printing Com¬ pany at Kansas City, and remained there till he became a prac¬ tical printer. He was afterwards in the employ of other print¬ ing houses in Kansas City, but in March, 1910, took up his resi¬ dence in Nevada, and established himself in business as propri¬ etor of the Commercial Printing Company, with a well equipped plant and office on South Cedar Street, and every facility for turning out every variety of high-class commercial printing.

Mr. Erwin is an energetic, enterprising man, a thoroughly practical printer and since establishing his plant has conducted it with gratifying success. -He has little time for matters outside his business, but is identified with the local hive of Maccabees and is a member of the Modern Brotherhood of America.

Charles M. Ewing is a native Missourian and a prosperous busi¬ ness man of Nevada, where he began his business life in 1905. He was born in Vernon county, November 27, 1878, and is a son of Squire Milton and Lucy B. (Gordon) Ewing, whose family

He was reared on the family homestead in Walker township, and there acquired his preliminary education in the public schools, supplementing it with a three years' course in the Kansas City high school, where he was graduated with the class of 1896. Charles Ewing had intended to fit himself for the legal profession, but on account of trouble with his eyes was forced to forego that purpose, and instead took a position in the general freight office of the Missouri Pacific Railway Company at Kansas City. Ill health compelled him to resign his position at the end of a year, and soon afterward he pursued a complete course of study in the Coyne Plumbing School at St. Louis. Then, in 1905, he and L. J. White purchased the plumbing business that had been carried on by L. Pond and C. E. Evans at Nevada, and which thereafter was conducted under the firm name of Ewing & White some two years. In 1907 Mr. Ewing purchased his partner's interest in the busi¬ ness and has carried it on in his own name ever since with most gratifying success, having executed contracts for the work in his line on many of the important public buildings and residences in the city and elsewhere.

Mr. Ewing is an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America, and in religious faith and fellowship is identified with the Christian Church.

On May 7, 1902, he was united in marriage with Miss Martha Barker, a daughter of the late Joseph Y. Barker, formerly a resi¬ dent of Bates county, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Ewing have two children, named respectively James Milton and Joe Leroy Ewing.

Mrs. Ewing is the youngest of a family of ten children born to Joseph Yyrick and Margaret Amanda (Ripley) Barker, the former a native of Manchester, England, and the latter being of American lineage. Of their other children, two died in infancy, and Mary, who was married to Mr. Thomas Campbell, of Nevada, also is deceased. The others are : Ruth, who is married to Mr. Gus Plogan, of Pueblo, Colorado ; Edward, who lives in Norborne, Missouri; James, a resident of Rinehart, Yernon county; Ida, the wife of Mr. Henry Smading, of Caney, Kansas; Jennie, wife of Elsworth Clark, who lives at Stotesbury, Yernon county, and

Mrs. Ewing's parents died when she was quite young, and she was reared and educated by Mr. and Mrs. James W. Underwood, of Walker, Missouri. At the age of fourteen she became a mem¬ ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, at Walker, but after her marriage she, with Mr. Ewing, united with the Christian Church at Nevada.

Finis Young Ewing, who was born in Lafayette county, Mis¬ souri, August 2, 1841, is a son of Washington P. and Aletha J. (Ewing) Ewing, both natives of Kentucky, the father born in Logan county in 1814, and the mother born in 1816. They were married in Lafayette county Missouri, in 1834. In 1849 the father went to California overland, returned for his familv in 1852, and settled in Sonoma county, California, and lived there till 1860. Thence he went via the Isthmus of Panama and boat to New York and from there by rail to Texas, settling first in San Antonio and later near Austin, in Hays county, where he lived till after the close of the Civil War. He died at Houston, Texas, in 1867. The mother passed away at Eldorado Springs, Missouri, in 1884. The first representative of this branch of the Ewing family came from Ireland and settled in Bedford county, Virginia. Among them was Robert Ewing, the fore¬ father of Finis Y. Ewing. He married Mary Baker and their son, Finis Ewing, who was the father of Washington P. Ewing, was one of the founders of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He - Finis - married in Nashville, Tennessee, Margaret Davidson, daughter of William Lee Davidson, for whom Davidson county, in which Nashville is situated, was named. General Davidson was killed in battle on Catawba river while opposing the advance of the British under Lord Cornwallis. The Continental Congress passed an order for the erection of a monument to the memory of General Davidson.

Finis Y. Ewing, our subject, in June, 1861, enlisted in the Confederate Army as a member of Company D, Fourth Regi¬ ment, Texas Infantry, commanded by Col. J. B. Hood. On ac¬ count of disability he returned to Texas after one year's service in Virginia and in 1863 helped to recruit Company C, Fourth Regiment of Arizona Cavalry, of which he was elected first lieu¬ tenant, and, though not commissioned captain, was in command of his company till the close of the war. He surrendered at Gal¬ veston to Gen. Gordon Granger.

Lee Davidson Ewing, a brother of Finis Y., was in the final engagement between the Union and Confederate forces at Palo Alto, where Gen. Zachary Taylor fought during the Mexico War. This battle occurred after the surrender of the Confed¬ erate Army, news of which had not reached the officers, those on the Confederate side being Generals J. E. Slaughter and John S. Ford. After the close of the war Finis Ewing returned to Hous¬ ton, Texas, and in 1866 started with a drove of five hundred cattle, intending to deliver them at Westport, Missouri, on June

I, but was turned back by the citizens of Vernon county on ac¬ count of Texas cattle fever. Going to Barton county, Missouri, he there sold his herd and returned to Texas and in 1868 drove a herd of twelve hundred cattle from Hays county, Texas, to Abaline, Kansas, passing over the site of the present city of Wichita. Mr. Ewing, in the fall of 1868, came to Vernon county and bought from Samuel Carrington (who entered it from the Government) a section of land in Blue Mound township, where he has since made his home, engaged in general farming opera¬ tions and giving particular attention to breeding, buying, feed¬ ing and selling live stock. Before Oklahoma was opened for settlement he leased from the Indians large tracts for grazing,

In 1870 Mr. Ewing was united in marriage with Miss Martha A. Davis, wild was born in Camden county, Missouri, in 1850, and two children were born to them, viz., Finis Leedavis Ewing, born June 9, 1876, and Mattie Olivia, who was born July 30, 1879, and is married to C. M. Moss. The mother died in 1879 and on May 12, 1886, Mr. Ewing married Anna K. Philapy, a daughter of

J. W. and Fannie Philapy, of Nevada, Missouri. Of four children born of the second marriage, the three survivors are Jane E. Ew¬ ing, who was born April 11, 1887 ; Anna W., who was born Oc¬ tober 1, 1889, and is married to Mr. Clarence Forman, and Arthur W. Ewing, who was born October 11, 1894.

George G. Ewing is a prominent citizen and prosperous busi¬ ness man of Nevada, Missouri, where he has been called to fill various public and private positions of honor and trust. He was born at Lexington, Missouri, August 18, 1860, and came to Ne¬ vada with his parents when he was seven years of age. He is the eldest of seven children born to Milton and Lucy B. (Gordon) Ewing, natives of Missouri and Kentucky, respectively, the father settling in Lexington and moving thence to Nevada in 1867, where the mother still resides. The father died there on January 13, 1902. Of their other children, Young resides in Center town¬ ship, Vernon county; William H. lives at Walker, Vernon county ; Elizzabeth R. is the wife of Mr. William M. Merrill, of Walker township; Mattie is married to Mr. David F. Woodward and lives at Independence, Missouri; Lee B. is prosecuting attorney at Nevada, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work with a more complete history of the Ewing family, and Charles M., who lives in Nevada. George G. grew up and acquired his prelim¬ inary education in Vernon county and supplemented that with a course of study at Ozark College of Greenfield, Missouri. In 1887 he was appointed deputy county clerk and served in that capacity seven years under Mr. W. F. Gordon, and during 1897-8 filled the position of deputy county treasurer. In 1898 Mr. Ewing was elected recorder of Vernon county and re-elected at the ex¬ piration of his term, and served in that office continuously - till 1907. In 1908 Mr. Ewing was elected assistant cashier of The Bank of Nevada and after two years' service in that position was elected vice-president of the same institution, and January 1, 1911, was elected cashier, which office he still holds. Mr. Ewing's conduct of these various responsible offices has been marked by efficiency and faithfulness and gained for him universal confi¬ dence and esteem as an able, straightforward, honorable and high-minded man. Since 1889 he has been a member of the local lodge of the Masonic order, and since 1892 of the Knights of Pythias. He is also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

On December 3, 1890, Mr. Ewing married Miss Olive, daugh¬ ter of Samuel R. and Helen M. (Duncan) Crockett, of Eldorado Springs, Missouri, and there have been born to them two children, named, respectively, Helen, now deceased, and Madalvn S.

Lee B. Ewing, a successful lawyer of Nevada, Mo., wras born and reared on his father's farm near Walker, in Vernon county. He was born August 17, 1870, and is the sixth child of Milton Ewing and Lucy Boyd (Gordon) Ewing. The other chil¬ dren are George Gordon Ewing, Young Ewing, William 11. Ew¬ ing, Mrs. Bettie R. Merrill and Charles M. Ewing, of Vernon county, and Mrs. Mattie W. Woodward, of Independence, Mis¬ souri. Milton Ewing was born at Lexington, Missouri, April 7, 1832, and Lucy Boyd (Gordon) Ewing was born at the same place January 25, 1837. They were married at Lexington in the fall of 1858. Their four oldest children were born in Lafay¬ ette county. In December, 1867, they moved to Vernon county and settled on a farm, then raw prairie. There has been the fam¬ ily homestead for the past forty-four years and there Milton Ew¬ ing died January 13, 1902. The mother still lives upon the old homestead.

The Ewing and Gordon families have had no mean part in the history of the development of Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina and Alabama. It is deemed appropriate, therefore, to briefly trace the genealogy of the subject of this sketch.

His paternal grandparents were Young and Elizabeth (Ren¬ ick) Ewung, both of whom were born in Logan county, Kentucky, the former in 1790, the latter April 8, 1795. They were married and came to Missouri Territory in 1819 and settled at Lexington, where the grandfather died October 21, 1844 His widow survived until August 14, 1878, and passed away in Vernon county.

Young Ewing was a son of Chatham and Elizabeth (Camp¬ bell) Ewing; the former was born in Bedford county, Virginia, about 1755 and was a brother of Gen. Robert Ewing, of Ken¬ tucky, and Finis Ewing, who founded the Cumberland Presby¬ terian Church. The lineage of Elizabeth Campbell is not defi¬ nitely known.

Elizabeth Renick was a daughter of Henry and Prudence (Hall) Renick, both natives of Virginia, the exact dates of their births not being known. Both his and her parents came to this country from Wales. He was a soldier in the War of 1812 and was in Johnson's division of Harrison's army at the Battle of the Thames, Canada, when the famous Indian chief, Tecumseh, was killed.

Our subject's paternal great-great-grandfather, Robert Ewing, was born in Ireland about the year 1715 or 1720, and his wife's maiden name was Mary Baker. They emigrated to America and settled in Virginia.